Gear Review: Sandstorm Custom Rifle Slings Sling (and belt)

I remember spending a few hours last year looking for the right sling for my then-new AR build. I think I browsed all of the major online retailers a la MidwayUSA, Brownells, etc., plus all of the tacticool distributors and, of course, searched for reviews here on TTAG. When the TAVOR came in a few months ago, however, I had a much easier time thanks to Sandstorm Custom Rifle Slings. I had an idea in my head of what I wanted, like I did for the AR, but instead of scouring the internet to find it, I just sent my desires to Sandstorm and they made it. Just like that! Custom. All for like $40-$65. Now that’s hard to beat! Nearly four months later, having used the sling a fair bit, I think it’s time to put my thoughts on ‘paper’ . . .

The “Custom” in Sandstorm Custom Rifle Slings is true. Much like Jack In The Box, they don’t make it ‘til you order it. The website is set up pretty well, where most combinations of weave patterns, lengths, adjustment options, connection options and colors can be chosen on top of the various sling styles and then all of that info goes to the shopping cart. Beyond this level of customization, if you aren’t coming up with exactly what you’re looking for, shoot ‘em an e-mail and they’ll get it done. A friend of mine is currently hashing out a sweet pistol sling design with Sandstorm for a very customized Ruger ‘Charger’ he just built. The best part? Since all of their slings are custom anyway, you aren’t going to pay more for coming up with something that can’t be easily built through the website’s options.

What you’ll get in the mail is a sling made either mostly or entirely of 550#, 7-strand, Mil-Spec paracord. Typically 60 to 100 feet of it, in one or two colors, of which there are plenty to choose from (including some options that aren’t on the site if you want to get wild). Hardware comes from the best quality manufacturers, whether you’re choosing clips, hooks, QD swivels, push button QD studs, etc.

I’m using an H&K style hook at front and a ring near the back to make a sling that’s convertible from 2-point to single-point. Another option is this nifty QD socket that can be woven into the sling:

The adjustable nylon webbing section is key for me so the rifle can be carried and shouldered in different ways. Nice and short for 2-point slung across the back or chest, and let out longer for single point or for 2-point with enough slack to brace/wrap an arm in the sling. After using it for the last few months, though, I have definitely developed a preference for the 2-point, tight across the chest option. I may end up ordering another sling and keeping it really simple by sending Sandstorm my exact length requirement and doing a non-adjustable, 100% paracord sling with a QD stud on each end.

Since every sling can be different, I can’t exactly say what yours would be like. I can say, however, that the quality of this thing is great and the price seems more than fair. It shoulders the weight of the TAVOR more comfortably than the slings on my other rifles – the paracord has just a teeny bit of squish and a tiny bit of stretch, plus the woven texture and thick edges are great, and overall I just really like the feel of it a lot – and it looks pretty darn cool while doing it. So far it certainly appears as though it’s going to hold up for many years to come, too.

When I later told Zac at Sandstorm, who was always extremely helpful and responsive, that I intended to write up a review, he asked if I wanted to try out one of their belts as sort of a beta/prototype thing. The answer was “yes,” of course. I’ve worn it fairly often and it’s a cool looking, comfortable, strong belt that works great for holding my pants up and also holds its own (plus the gun) as a gun belt. At least as an IWB gun belt, as paracord doesn’t really have ‘twist’ strength that some types of OWB holsters – especially with heavy guns – can require. If you check out the video, you’ll see me carrying a Glock 20 in it. It was there all day and the belt was great. Good for everyday wear and everyday carry, for sure. As I write this, the design of Sandstorm’s belts has become better, IMHO, and I’m looking forward to seeing them hit the site. Here’s a ‘prototype’ glimpse (there’s also a wide version):

Usually if I’m going to write a review I want to put in some gripes or negatives, or at least suggestions of things I would change. With the sling, I just can’t come up with any. After all, it’s exactly what I requested and everything I was expecting. Obviously if you’re looking for leather, you’ll have to go elsewhere. A sling made from only nylon webbing would be possible, and they’ll do it, but it isn’t Sandstorm’s shtick. I don’t think I had actually purchased paracord products previously, come to think of it, but I immediately liked the feel and look of the sling a lot. The belt I would change from the design I have to the newer, 100% paracord version, and it looks like Sandstorm has gone that route already. Of course, custom is custom so if you like what you see in the video better…

Whether you need a double-wide strap to shoulder your Ma Deuce, a 1-, 2-, or 3-point sling for your hunting or tactical rifle, or something totally custom to keep that MP5 under your sport jacket, Sandstorm can accommodate. Check out the gallery on their website for some ideas.

No it’s truly very comfortable. Better than the nylon sling with neoprene pad that I use on a hunting rifle, better than the ‘tactical’ single point on the AR, better than the leather slings that were issued with a couple old rifles I have (a Mosin and a Lee Enfield, in this case). I think you’d be surprised.

That’s a nice sling. I like how the padded section, if you get padded, is actually sewn in place. HATE pads that slide around (whether it’s a sling or a briefcase or whatever). I haven’t used that sling so I definitely couldn’t say which is more comfortable, only that the paracord one here is great for me. The weave design I got makes for a wider strap than most ‘webbing’ slings, which I think is part of it, but also it has larger, rounder edges than webbing (it’s thicker) and the paracord compresses a little bit. Basically, it seems to distribute the weight nicely and doesn’t dig in anywhere or cause a pressure point. I can’t actually feel the “texture” of the weave through even just a t-shirt, if that’s a concern. Maybe Sandstorm would loan you one to test for your YT channel? (and just to be clear, I did purchase mine through normal means. It wasn’t a “T&E” or freebie or anything.)

I’d have to agree, and have avoided everything paracord (like “survival bracelets”) like the plague. The anti-“tactical” comments I made in the video are [some of] my true thoughts on the subject. Despite my general distaste for anything trendy, “cool,” or “tactical,” when I saw these slings I felt like it was a legitimate use of paracord that made sense to me. It just kind of “clicked” and I went for it. I’m glad I did because, as mentioned in the review, it’s really comfortable and it works great, and I do truly like it more than the webbing, webbing w/ bungee, webbing w/ pad, and various leather slings I’ve used in the past. Even if it’s a little flashier. Despite being a little flashier (of course, the TAVOR for me was something I wanted because of what it is, and I had to get over its “cool” factor that it has right now. Got it despite that sort of trendy tacticool thing it has going on at current haha). If I do another Sandstorm sling, it’ll probably be all black…

Where is all this 550 cord (paracord my ass) coming from in all these sissy colors”. I’m betting on the Chicoms at the PLA. Nothing coming out of that cesspool is “milspec” (or is if turn your back for 2 seconds).

For the most part, it all comes from rothco, who contracts out with .mil suppliers and is all US made.

On occasion, we have to order specific colors from other vendors. It’s not always labeled, so I couldn’t tell you where it is made. Feels the same, looks the same, constructed the same as far as core strands, but I can’t tell you 100% if it’s US made.